Dmitry Medvedev, Former President of Russia and the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, has expressed concerns about the escalating risks of a new world war and a potential nuclear confrontation during a conference in Moscow.

Medvedev told an audience, “The world is sick and quite probably is on the verge of a new world war.” He added that the risks of a nuclear confrontation have increased but said it could still be averted. Addressing the possibility of Russia employing nuclear weapons, Medvedev warned that Moscow may be the first to use them in response to any aggression against Russia or its allies.

While speaking at an educational event called “Knowledge” in Moscow, Medvedev also urged opponents not to underestimate Russia’s “resolve.”

When questioned about his thoughts on climate change, Medvedev downplayed its significance compared to the potential of being at the center of a nuclear explosion. He said, “Do you really care about the climate to such an extent? In my opinion, this is nothing compared to the prospect of being at the epicenter of an explosion with a temperature of 5,000 Kelvin (scale). Is there such a prospect today? (Unfortunately,) yes. And it is growing every day for well-known reasons.”